Saturday found us at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It only took us an extra hour or two to get there from the hotel after getting the mapquest directions that sent us to Alexandria. Sigh. Did you know they have one there, too? Neither did any of the locals we asked when our GPS announced we had reached our destination and all we saw was a McDonald's.
So we reprogrammed and headed off for DC, or somewhere thereabouts. It was like we were in the Bermuda Triangle, trying to get the GPS to get us to the right place. And we hear we're not alone. Must be all the military/official "stuff", eh? (That one was for Kevin!)
In any event, we got there, and found the hospital parking lot nearly empty. We were concerned that the planned Walter Reed closing had happened early and we had not heard about it. But no, it was just a Saturday afternoon, and the main hospital is a weekday op apparently.
But our visit was for Mologne House, to visit troops. We have done this before, and loved getting to talk to each of them. We do not go inside and visit the wards. We do not normally have cameras onhand (unless the troops ask). And we usually go in unofficially, just as family.
This time it was a little different. This time we walked headfirst into a luau! BAE was doing their part for troop morale ... and doing it well! There were rainbow colored leis around the necks of all the participants, and there were smiles all around. Music played in the background. Tables were filled with food and beverages.
Representatives were there from Soldier's Angels, as well. This is a great group, so very supportive, and we have applauded and supported their continued efforts for our troops!
The troops were having a great time ... Everyone, including us, was having a wonderful time, in fact!
We gave out the shirts people had signed for these Heroes, We had shirts from Fallen Family members, school children, department shirts, Kasey Kahne's (NASCAR #9) donated shirts, and ... the ladies from Hooters of Tacoma had covered shirts with sweet messages for our wounded Heroes. Hmmm, seems those Hooter's shirts went pretty quick! But all of them were well received and taken with the same respect with which they were given. (Thanks to all of you who sent these shirts with us, for the smiles you let us share on your behalf!)
Some of the troops posed with their shirts, and we are honored to share their smiles with you. A lot of the photos on the internet that are taken at WRAMC, and Mologne House show all of the wounds of these heroes. We choose to show their smiles, their pride, and their hearts. It is for them to decide with whom they share anything. We send our prayers to each of them and their loved ones and send every wish that they return to their homes as soon as possible.
We always remember the words of a Mologne House troop who advised us last year, that, "For every Fallen Hero you see on the news, there are 15 of us who you don't see. We will all come home home one day ..." PLEASE remember these brave men and women who have given so much in their service to their our country. Make room for them upon their return, and remember their sacrifices.
lj & the road crew
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